Meade County lost a great young community leader Dec. 11, 2008, when Chelsea Elizabeth Stinnett died in an automobile accident.

Stinnett embodied the greatness of Meade County student athletes. She was captain of the volleyball and basketball teams and was named Best All Around Player for the 2008 volleyball season.

Messenger File Photo
Chelsea Stinnett’s number 9 will never again be worn in Lady Wave volleyball.

She had planned to come back in the summer after graduation and help the volleyball team out with the new freshmen.

Stinnett’s #9 will never again be worn in Lady Wave volleyball.

As the only senior on the basketball team, Stinnett provided valuable experience and leadership that kept a very young Lady Wave team believing in the Greenwave Nation.

“Chelsea was a fantastic student athlete,” said Lady Wave basketball coach Josh Hurt. “She was one of the most positive and upbeat girls I have ever coached or met. Meade County will truly miss such a wonderful individual.”

Stinnett’s #31 will never again be worn in Lady Wave basketball.

Beth Shoulders, manager of the Lady Wave volleyball team, could only praise how much of a positive influence Stinnett had on her teammates and other high school students.

According to her friends, Chelsea always had a smile – except when a game wasn’t going their way or right after she had an error she knew about. But she was the first to bounce back. Before the coach could say a word in the huddle, she would always say, “Shake it off. You’re fine.”

Stinnett was an inspiration off the court as well, striving to make a difference in the lives of others. She helped with special needs kids at the high school for one block out of the day, and went to Brandenburg Primary School to work with a class in the age-group she wanted to teach.

Stinnett had planned to attend Bellarmine University in the fall to major in education. She and her best friend of four years, Danielle Clark, were going to be roommates.

“If I had just one wish, I would wish for a staircase that would reach up to heaven so I could bring you home,” said Clark.